Honouring the Past

Welcome to the home page of Oak, Ash, & Thorn: School of Bardic Wisdom here in Austin, Texas. OAT is a unique school that brings together various artistic, literary, and cultural traditions of the Celtic lands. Our mission is to promote an understanding and flourishing of Celtic culture and arts, to revive and build upon ancient traditions, and to preserve and develop those that have survived into modern times. The richness of the Celtic traditions lies in their beautiful practicality, which is of increasing importance in this modern world.

Upcoming News:

Stay tuned for more updates...

News:

Oak, Ash, and Thorn: School of Bardic Wisdom will host the first Central Texas Eisteddfod-- a pan-Celtic celebration and competition of the arts. This weekend event will include: cultural showcases, performances, and vendors and will culminate in the "Crowning of the Bards". With full ceremony, we will coronate the three winners--the Chaired Bards of: Music, Poetry, and Telling.

Join us in making history and celebrating culture!!!

Check back for more details as they are available

(All are welcome to attend. Must be in high school or order to compete.)

Here we have three traditional, epic tales of the elves from Ireland and what happens when they cross paths with humans: the beautiful elven maiden turned wife, the child stolen by the elf king, and the blessings of the elven prince. These stories are as timeless as is the apparent lifespan of the elves in them. Yet in their timelessness, the elven presence can still be felt and the memory of them, lively--as is seen in the Ardennes of France during WWI.

total runtime: 1hr 5minNote: These stories reflect a post-medieval tendency in Celtic folklore of conflating elves and fairies. Serious students of folklore may find many similarities between these stories about elves and those attributed to fairies.